Systems and methods of an exercise suspension mat

ABSTRACT

Systems, devices, and methods for an exercise mat that may include: a mat made of a cushioning material comprising a set of tick marks positioned along the longitudinal edges of the mat; and a set of horizontal lines defining a column of grids, and a set of numerical labels, where each numerical label is positioned near opposing ends of a corresponding horizontal line, and where the set of numerical labels do not indicate whole number measurements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/067,835, filed Aug. 19, 2020, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entireties for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments relate generally to body weight exercises, and more particularly to body weight exercises on an exercise suspension mat.

BACKGROUND

A general workout routine may include multiple exercises, and each exercise may target different areas of the body. A workout routine could include the use of suspension straps that are anchored onto a wall or a door. An individual using suspension straps may adjust the difficulty of a suspension strap exercise by changing the distance between the user and the end of the suspension straps. For example, if the suspension strap exercise is too difficult, the user may walk their feet further away from the wall or door that the suspension strap is anchored to. If the suspension strap exercise is too easy, the user may walk their feet closer to the wall or door that the suspension is anchored to.

SUMMARY

A system embodiment may include: a suspension mat made of a cushioning material comprising: a set of tick marks positioned along the longitudinal edges of the mat; a set of horizontal lines defining a column of grids; and a set of numerical labels, wherein each numerical label is positioned near opposing ends of a corresponding horizontal line; where the set of numerical labels do not indicate whole number measurements.

In additional system embodiments, the set of horizontal lines indicate whole number measurements. In additional system embodiments, each numerical label is positioned at a distance one tick mark short from a corresponding horizontal line. In additional system embodiments, each numerical label is a grid indicator. In additional system embodiments, each numerical label is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. In additional system embodiments, each numerical label has a different color from each of the set of tick marks.

In additional system embodiments, each numerical label comprises: a first numerical label; and a second numerical label; where the first numerical label is positioned near one end of a corresponding horizontal line and the second numerical label is positioned at the opposing end of a corresponding horizontal line. In additional system embodiments, the set of tick marks comprises: a set of semi-major tick marks. In additional system embodiments, each semi-major tick mark indicates a midpoint between the horizontal lines in the set of horizontal lines.

In additional system embodiments, the set of tick marks further comprises: a set of minor tick marks. In additional system embodiments, each minor tick mark indicates an imperial unit. In additional system embodiments, each minor tick mark indicates a metric unit. In additional system embodiments, the cushioning material is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rubber composite material.

In additional system embodiments, the suspension mat further comprises: a set of suction cups disposed on the underside of the mat. In additional system embodiments, the set of suction cups are arranged in a honeycomb formation. In additional system embodiments, the system further comprises: a detachable carrying strap. In additional system embodiments, the underside of the suspension mat has a different material composition than the rest of the suspension mat.

Another system embodiment may include: a suspension mat made of a PVC and rubber composite comprising: a set of tick marks positioned along the longitudinal edges of the mat, wherein the set of tick marks comprising a set of minor tick marks and a set of semi-major tick marks; a set of horizontal lines defining a column of grids, wherein each horizontal line indicates a whole number measurement; a set of numerical labels, wherein each numerical label is positioned near opposing ends of a corresponding horizontal line and positioned one minor tick mark away from the corresponding horizontal line, and wherein each numerical label is a grid indicator, and wherein each numerical label is oriented to be read across horizontally, and wherein each numerical label is a different color from each of the set of tick marks; and a set of suction cups positioned on the underside of the mat, wherein the set of suction cups are arranged in a honeycomb formation; where the set of numerical labels do not indicate whole number measurements, and where each of the semi-major tick marks indicate a midpoint between each of the horizontal lines.

In additional system embodiments, each numerical label comprises: a first numerical label; and a second numerical label; where the first numerical label is positioned near one end of a corresponding horizontal line and the second numerical label is positioned at the opposing end of a corresponding horizontal line.

A method embodiment may include: measuring a first distance using a first measuring system of a suspension mat; performing a first exercise on the suspension mat using the first distance; measuring a second distance using a second measuring of the suspension mat; and performing a second exercise on the suspension mat using the second distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principals of the invention. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of an exercise suspension mat;

FIGS. 2A-2B depict an underside of the exercise suspension mat of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the exercise suspension mat of FIG. 1 in a rolled-up configuration;

FIGS. 4A-B depict an exercise performed on the suspension mat of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A-B depict an alternate exercise performed on the suspension mat of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A-B depict an alternate exercise performed on the suspension mat of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A-B depict an alternate exercise performed on the suspension mat of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 depicts an alternative exercise performed on the suspension mat of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 depicts a detachable carrying strap for use with the suspension mat of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for a method embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a high-level block diagram of a suspension mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With respect to FIG. 1, an exercise suspension mat 100 is shown. In one embodiment, the suspension mat 100 may be rectangular shaped (although other shapes are contemplated) and include lines or “tick marks” 102 moving horizontally across the length of each side of the suspension mat 100. The tick marks 102 may provide a reference for points on a scale, with the tick marks 102 representing a specified number of units on a continuous scale, such as a ruler. Therefore, the tick marks 102 of the suspension mat 100 create an image like that of a ruler on the suspension mat 100. In one embodiment, the tick marks 102 may be separated by one inch from one another. In another embodiment, the tick marks 102 may be separated by units that are more or less than one inch. In one embodiment, there are 11 tick marks 102 between a first and a second line 106, 11 tick marks 102 between a second and third line 106, and so forth. In one embodiment, the suspension mat 100 has five lines 106 each with a numerical label 108, where each line 106 extends vertically (e.g., across the width) of the suspension mat 100.

In some embodiments, lines 106 may have hash marks to indicate a unit of distance across the length of each line 106. In one embodiment, the lines 106 may have hash marks used for both physical exercises and mental exercises.

In some embodiments, each line 106 may extend horizontally on the suspension mat 100. For example, each line 106 may extend across the width of the suspension mat 100.

The numerical label 108 may be configured to help orient a user as to the user's position on the suspension mat 100. In one embodiment, the tick mark 102 that is halfway between two successive lines 106 may extend slightly further into the suspension mat 100 to further replicate the image of a ruler and provide additional assistance to the user as to the user's location on the suspension mat 100. The tick marks 102, the lines 106, and the numerical labels 108 may create versatility for jumping, footwork, plyometrics, and/or other dynamic functional movements. In one embodiment, the mat 100 may be 66 inches in length to accompany smaller body styles. In another embodiment, the mat 100 may be 68.11 inches in length. In another embodiment, the mat 100 may be 84 inches in length. In one embodiment, the 66 inch and 68.11-inch suspension mat 100 versions may have a width of approximately 24.016 inches. In one embodiment, the 84-inch version of the suspension mat 100 may have a width of approximately 26.772 inches. Different ratios are possible and contemplated and may be utilized so long as the tick marks are clearly placed on the surface as a visual indicator to the user.

In one embodiment, additional tick marks may be included on the ends of the suspension mat 100. In one embodiment, additional tick marks may be included on the underside of the suspension mat 100, allowing the suspension mat 100 to be reversible. In such embodiments, the tick marks on one side may be at different distances from each other than the second side, and therefore, a user may be able to use one side for a particular type of exercise while flipping the mat over and using the mat for an alternative type of exercise. In such embodiments, the user may be provided an exercise routine, for example, via an app on a user equipment such as a smartphone or tablet, and the suspension mat 100 may be configured to provide different tick mark positions according to that routine.

In some embodiments, the placement of the tick marks 102 may also be adjustable by the user so that they may change the location of the tick marks on the mat, thereby having the ability to change their exercise regimen dynamically.

In one embodiment, the exercise suspension mat 100 provides support in the development of landing mechanics, strength development, and stability. The material and thickness of the suspension mat 100 may provide cushioning yet a strong connection to the ground. In one embodiment, the suspension mat 100 has a ⅛-¼ inch thickness. In one embodiment, the 66 inch and 68.11-inch suspension mat 100 versions may have a thickness of 5 mm. In another embodiment, the 84-inch suspension mat 100 version may have a thickness of 6 mm. In one embodiment, the 66-inch, 68.11 inch, and 84-inch suspension mat 100 versions may have a thickness of 5 mm. In another embodiment, the 66-inch, 68.11 inch, and 84-inch suspension mat 100 versions may have a thickness of 6 mm. In one embodiment, the suspension mat 100 is made of PVC and rubber composite, providing a long lifespan for the suspension mat 100 and making the suspension mat 100 eco-friendly. The suspension mat's texture provides for traction as the user performs various exercises. For example, the texture of the suspension mat 100 provides a grippy support that prevents the user from slipping, especially as the user sweats during a workout.

With respect to FIGS. 2A-2B, the underside 120 of the suspension mat 100 is shown. More specifically, and in one embodiment, the underside 120 may include a plurality of suction cups 122 to provide an enhanced grip of the suspension mat 100 to the ground, as shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B illustrates an enhanced view of the suction cups 122 of the underside 120 of the suspension mat 100. In one embodiment, the suction cups 122 are of the same size. In one embodiment, the suction cups 122 are of two or more different sizes. In one embodiment, the suction cups 122 of the 84-inch version of the suspension mat 100 are slightly larger than the suction cups 122 of the 66 inch and 68.11-inch versions. In one embodiment, the suction cups 122 are concave and circular in shape to provide suction allowing the user to perform exercises on the suspension mat 100 without the suspension mat 100 slipping on the ground. In another embodiment, the suction cups 122 are slightly raised from the underside 120, forming pockets between adjacent suction cups 122 to provide enhanced grip. In one embodiment, the suction cups 122 form a circular honeycomb pattern. The pockets formed may be configured to provide airflow and other advantages to the user compared to a mat that is placed flat on a surface with no airflow ability between the bottom layer and the surface.

In one embodiment, the suspension mat 100 may have a set of spikes on the underside 120 of the suspension mat 100 instead of suction cups 122. In some embodiments, the underside 120 of the suspension mat 100 may be made of a different material from the suspension mat 100 to provide additional grip. For example, the underside 120 may be made of materials such as PVC, rubber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), or the like.

In some embodiments, the suspension mat 100 may have grooves that indicate different measurements. In one embodiment, the suspension mat 100 may have grooves to provide better grip.

With respect to FIG. 3, the suspension mat 100 may be rolled up for portability and compact storage. In some embodiments, the suction cups (122, FIG. 2B) may prevent unrolling and assist in maintaining the suspension mat 100 in a rolled up configuration.

With respect to FIGS. 4A-B, a user 110 may perform an exercise with the suspension mat 100. In one embodiment, the user 110 may start in a first plank position in FIG. 4A and use the tick marks 102 (and/or other indicia, e.g., lines 106 and labels 108) to guide the user to move to a second position on the suspension mat 100; therefore, consistency and accuracy are provided by the suspension mat 100 in performance during the exercise. For example, the user 110 may situate their right arm between lines 106 with labels 108 “1” and “2” and the user's left arm proximate and/or on line 106 with label 108 “3” at the first position in FIG. 4A. The user 110 may then move laterally under the weight of the user's body, such that the user's 110 left arm extends to line 106 with label 108 “4”, and the user 110 then shifts their right arm between lines 2 and 3 to perform a lateral plank walk, as shown in FIG. 4B. The tick marks 102, lines 106, and labels 108 allow the user 110 to consistently perform the lateral plank walk to high accuracy by knowing what the user's position is at all times on the suspension mat 100.

Similarly, and with respect to FIGS. 5A-5B, an example of an alternate exercise movement is illustrated, where a user 112 performs a squat jump. Based on the user's 112 known starting position, the user 112 may use the tick marks, the lines, and/or the labels to determine the end point of each squat jump, such as the landing of the user shown in FIG. 5B.

The suspension mat 100 provides for various other, unassisted body weight movements, such as single leg squat jumps, monster walks, side/straight arm/forearm planks, and so forth. The suspension mat 100 may also provide for body weight suspended exercises, such as hanging rings or bodyweight straps as well as resistance exercises, such as with flexible bands.

For example, and with respect to FIGS. 6A-B, a user 114 performs an in-and-out jump squat with the assistance of a pair of hanging rings 115. Similar to the lateral plank walk performed by user 110 in FIGS. 4A-B, the user 114 may start in a first squatting position in FIG. 6A and use the tick marks and/or other indicia, e.g., lines 106, to guide the user to move to a second squatting position on the suspension mat 100. Therefore, consistency and accuracy are provided by the suspension mat 100 in performance during the exercise. For example, the user 114 may lean back while gripping the rings 115 and place their right foot between lines 106, such as lines 106 with labels “1” and “2” and their left foot proximate and/or on the line 106 with label “3” at the first position in FIG. 6A. The user 114 may then jump their legs inward while pulling on the rings 115 for assistance, such that the user's 114 left and right feet are in a final position between the line labeled 2 and 3 to perform the in-and-out squat, as shown in FIG. 6B. The tick marks 102, the lines, and/or the labels allow the user 114 to consistently perform the in-and-out jump squat to high accuracy by knowing what their position is at all times on the suspension mat 100.

Similarly, and with respect to FIGS. 7A-B, an example of an alternate exercise movement is illustrated, where a user 116 performs a single leg squat jump with the assistance of a hanging ring 117. Based on the user's 116 known starting position, the user 116 may use the tick marks, the lines, and/or the labels to determine the desired endpoint of each single leg squat jump, such as the landing of the user shown in FIG. 7B.

Referring to FIG. 8, each numerical label 108 may include a first numerical label 1086 and a second numerical label 1087. The first numerical label 1086 and the second numerical label 1087 may be oriented to be parallel with the length of the suspension mat 100. That is, the first numerical label 1086 and second numerical label 1087 may be properly read by a user while the user is looking down the length of the suspension mat 100. The first numerical label 1086 and the second numerical label 1087 may be positioned at opposing ends of a corresponding line 106 and adjacent to opposing sets of tick marks 102. The positioning of the first numerical label 1086 and the second numerical label 1087 by provides an advantage by providing an indicator of which line 106 a user is at regardless of which foot the user may have forward. For example, a user's forward foot may cover the second numerical label 1087. However, the user can use the uncovered first numerical label 1086 as a reference.

In some embodiments, the lines 106 may divide the suspension mat 100 into a column of grids 130, and each grid may have a corresponding numerical label 108. For example, grid 131 may have a numerical label 1081 “1”, grid 132 may have a numerical label 1082 “2”, grid 133 may have a numerical label 1083 “3”, and grid 134 may have a numerical label 1084 “4”. In some embodiments, each line 106 may be positioned at a whole number measurement, and each corresponding numerical label 108 may be positioned one minor tick 1021 away from the whole number measurement. For example, a line 106 may be positioned at 5 feet away from one edge of the suspension mat 100, while the first numerical label 1086 and the second numerical label 1087 are positioned at the four feet and eleven inches mark. In another example, the line 106 may be positioned 1 m away from an edge of the suspension mat 100 while the first numerical label 1086 and the second numerical label are positioned at the 0.9 m mark. The positioning of numerical label 108 at minor ticks 1021 prevents users from using the numerical label 108 as a distance measurement in a known system of measurement, such as the imperial system and the metric system. In some embodiments, the numerical labels 108 may be in a different color from the tick marks 102 to further prevent the numerical labels 108 from being used as a distance measurement in units. The distinction between the tick marks 102 and the numerical labels 108 provides an advantage by providing two distinct measuring systems for different types of workouts. For example, a user may need to use a less exact system of measurement for feet placement during a workout using suspension straps. The user could then use the row of grids 130 as reference for feet position for each exercise. In another example, the user may need a more precise measurement system for pushups. A user may then use the tick marks 102 to position their hands three tick marks 102 apart for a close grip pushup. The user may then position their hands exactly six tick marks 102 part to perform a normal pushup, and then nine tick marks 102 apart for a wide grip pushup.

In one embodiment, the row of grids 130 allows the suspension mat 100 to be used as an agility ladder. The numerical label 108 indicates which grid the user needs to be in during one repetition. In one embodiment, the tick marks 102 may be used for guiding limb placement. In one embodiment, the tick marks 102 may be used for measuring flexibility. In some embodiments, the tick marks 102 may include semi-major tick marks (104, FIG. 1) that indicate the midpoint between lines 106.

In some embodiments, the suspension mat may be made of a high-density polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. In one embodiment, the suspension mat 100 may be used to measure strength improvement during bodyweight suspended training workouts. In some embodiments, the suspension mat 100 may have a pair of vertical border lines that extend with the tick marks.

Referring to FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the suspension mat may include a detachable carrying strap 140. The detachable carrying strap 140 may have a first loop 141 and a second loop 142. The detachable carrying strap 140 may attach to the suspension mat in a rolled-up state by inserting one end of a rolled-up suspension mat into the first loop 141 and inserting the opposing end of the rolled-up suspension into the second loop 142.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart for a method 200 for performing two different exercises using a suspension mat. The method 200 may begin with measuring a first distance using a first measuring system of a suspension mat (step 202). The method 200 may then include performing a first exercise on the suspension mat using the first distance (step 204). The method 200 may then include measuring a second distance using a second measuring system of the suspension mat (step 206). The method 200 may then include performing a second exercise on the suspension mat using the second distance (step 208).

FIG. 11 is a high-level block diagram for a suspension mat 100. The suspension mat 100 may include tick marks 102, semi-major tick marks 104, lines 106, numerical labels 108, an underside 120, suction cups 122 disposed on the underside 120, a column of grids 130, a detachable carrying strap 140.

It is contemplated that various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the above embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Further, it is intended that the scope of the present invention is herein disclosed by way of examples and should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a suspension mat made of a cushioning material comprising: a set of tick marks positioned along the longitudinal edges of the mat; a set of horizontal lines defining a column of grids; and a set of numerical labels, wherein each numerical label is positioned near opposing ends of a corresponding horizontal line; wherein the set of numerical labels do not indicate whole number measurements.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of horizontal lines indicate whole number measurements.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein each numerical label is positioned at a distance one tick mark short from a corresponding horizontal line.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein each numerical label is a grid indicator.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein each numerical label is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein each numerical label has a different color from each of the set of tick marks.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein each numerical label comprises: a first numerical label; and a second numerical label; wherein the first numerical label is positioned near one end of a corresponding horizontal line and the second numerical label is positioned at the opposing end of a corresponding horizontal line.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of tick marks comprises: a set of semi-major tick marks.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein each semi-major tick mark indicates a midpoint between the horizontal lines in the set of horizontal lines.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of tick marks further comprises: a set of minor tick marks.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein each minor tick mark indicates an imperial unit.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein each minor tick mark indicates a metric unit.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the cushioning material is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and rubber composite material.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the suspension mat further comprises: a set of suction cups disposed on the underside of the mat.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the set of suction cups are arranged in a honeycomb formation.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises: a detachable carrying strap.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the underside of the suspension mat has a different material composition than the rest of the suspension mat.
 18. A system comprising: a suspension mat made of a PVC and rubber composite comprising: a set of tick marks positioned along the longitudinal edges of the mat, wherein the set of tick marks comprising a set of minor tick marks and a set of semi-major tick marks; a set of horizontal lines defining a column of grids, wherein each horizontal line indicates a whole number measurement; a set of numerical labels, wherein each numerical label is positioned near opposing ends of a corresponding horizontal line and positioned one minor tick mark away from the corresponding horizontal line, and wherein each numerical label is a grid indicator, and wherein each numerical label is oriented to be read across horizontally, and wherein each numerical label is a different color from each of the set of tick marks; and a set of suction cups positioned on the underside of the mat, wherein the set of suction cups are arranged in a honeycomb formation; wherein the set of numerical labels do not indicate whole number measurements, and wherein each of the semi-major tick marks indicate a midpoint between each of the horizontal lines.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein each numerical label comprising: a first numerical label; and a second numerical label; wherein the first numerical label is positioned near one end of a corresponding horizontal line and the second numerical label is positioned at the opposing end of a corresponding horizontal line.
 20. A method comprising: measuring a first distance using a first measuring system of a suspension mat; performing a first exercise on the suspension mat using the first distance; measuring a second distance using a second measuring of the suspension mat; and performing a second exercise on the suspension mat using the second distance. 